Constipation Treatment in Minnetonka, MN

What Is Constipation?

Constipation is a digestive system condition characterized by fewer than three bowel movements per week. When bowel movements do occur, they may be painful or difficult to pass and appear dry, hard, or small in size. While occasional constipation is common, constipation that persists for a period longer than three months is considered chronic and can interfere with daily functioning.

Constipation is also sometimes a sign of an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or hypothyroidism. Diagnosing and treating constipation early can prevent more serious ramifications from occurring, including bowel obstruction and hemorrhoids.

Constipation Causes

Causes of constipation can vary greatly, from a lack of fiber in your diet to colon cancer. In some cases, more than one factor can influence constipation's development. The most common cause of constipation is when waste products travel too slowly through your digestive tract, causing the stool to become hard, dry, or impacted. Other constipation causes include:

If left untreated, chronic constipation can create long-term or severe complications, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, fecal impaction, and the protrusion of intestines from your anus (rectal prolapse).

Constipation Diagnosis & Treatment

Your medical history, together with a physical examination and a review of your symptoms, is usually sufficient for a constipation diagnosis, but diagnostic tests may be necessary if serious complications or an underlying condition are suspected. These can include blood tests, sigmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, anorectal manometry, balloon expulsion test, colonic transit study, MRI, or X-ray.

The right constipation remedy for your unique needs is dependent on the underlying cause driving your impaired bowel movements, the severity of your symptoms, and the duration of your constipation. Some of the most common treatments used to bring about constipation relief include:

In more severe cases of constipation, surgery may be necessary to remove fecal impactions or to repair damage to the digestive tract. You should never begin any treatment for chronic constipation without first consulting your healthcare provider. He or she can also recommend natural treatments to alleviate your symptoms of constipation.

If you are experiencing what you believe may be acute or chronic constipation, schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare practitioner in Minnetonka who specializes in treating constipation. Call (952) 777-8887 or contact Advanced Health and Vitality Center online.